In a recent study cited by the Agency on Aging, approximately 11 percent of US seniors surveyed had experienced some type of abuse or potential neglect during the previous year. Additionally, writes the National Center for Victims of Crime, older adults suffer greater physical, psychological, and financial loss when victimized compared with younger victims. For example, a study done by the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that older Americans lose an estimated minimum of $2.9 billion annually due to elder abuse. However, it is suspected that the abuse is underreported. The National Center on Elder Abuse at American Public Human Services Association suggests that elder abuse is both under-identified and under-reported- it is possible that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse are reported.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder Abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by caregiver or trusted individual that leads to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder, explains the National Center on Elder Abuse. Some types of elder abuse can be categorized as physical (use of force to threaten or physically injure), emotional (verbal attacks, threats, rejection, isolation, or other acts that cause mental anguish or distress), sexual abuse (coerced sexual contact), exploitation (theft, fraud, misuse of authority), neglect (failure or refusal to provide for safety, physical, or emotional needs), and abandonment (deserting an older adult in need of care).

When an older adult is being abused in one of these ways, they may exhibit certain markers. Physical and sexual abuse cause more apparent indicators: unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, slap marks, unexplained welts, bruises, cuts, or burns. Emotional or abuse by neglect, as well as financial exploitation, have indicators as well.

Those suffering emotional abuse may exhibit unusual changes in behavior, like withdrawal from normal activities or decreased alertness. When neglected, a person may lack basic hygiene, sufficient food, or clean and appropriate clothing. They may also have been denied medical aids such as glasses, teeth, or a walker by their caregiver.

Financial exploitation may be indicated by altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, loss of property, or any sudden change in finances. This type of abuse may mean a caregiver with primary control over a senior’s finances deny them amenities they can easily afford, or when an older adult has been made to sign legal documents they are unable to understand. Financial abuse results when a person is somehow coerced into giving up decision-making in regards to their own money and estate.

How to Get Support

If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, it is important to remember that there are resources that exist to offer you support. Visit the Illinois State Department on Aging site at www.state.il.us/aging to learn more about your rights, and the Elder Abuse Protection Act. Since abuse may cause both physical and emotional wounds, seek emotional supports as well. Speaking about your experience with friends or family, for example, may be helpful, or joining a local support group. You can call the Eldercare Location (800-677-1116) to learn about local programs and services, including support and legal assistance. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) to be connected to social services, support resources, and legal advocacy programs. And, although it may be scary, reporting is the best way to notify the proper authorities and end the abuse.